Hodes Caps Recess With Semi-Private Health Care Talks

The scene at the state veteran’s home in Tilton was subdued; in part, because the Veterans were paying tribute to a recently deceased resident.

"Robert Bob Cook is now leaving the veterans home on his heavenly departure. May you rest in peace."

And in part, because with many residents in their 80s. excitement isn’t in high supply.

“Do you want me to take you in to listen to the congressman talk about heath care in the dining room? Paul Hodes. I know you read the paper every day so I’m sure you’ve been reading about it.”

While this and the other venues on today’s itinerary -- the break room at a community health center, and a retirement home – don’t allow the freewheeling sort of events his critics say he ought to hold, Hodes says he’s doing what he’s comfortable with..

“There are always people who want things done in a different way. In the case of health care reform there are some who are demanding that I reach out in a different way that is constructive. And there are different way than I think is constructive.”

In Tilton, Hodes shook plenty of hands and began his remark with the sort of assurance veterans tend to get from visiting politicians.

“My job is to make sure that our veterans have all the care, all the benefits that and all the services that you deserve and earned though service to your country. “

But soon enough the democrat did turn to healthcare. He repeatedly stressed that improving care is the bottom line, and that doing nothing cannot be an option.

“The costs are just unsustainable in the current system.”

Hodes worked to allay fears.

“We are not cutting anyone Medicare benefits. There will be no cuts in Medicare benefits.”

The Congressman also took repeated aim at for profit players in health care: drug makers, and most of all the insurance industry; at times stretching the truth to make his point.

“Right now our health insurance companies and major league baseball are the only industries in the United States that are completely unregulated.”

When he opened the floor to questions on the health care bill only 2 came. Both form the same guy. David Albro wanted to know how the bill could save money given its possible trillion dollar costs.

“I can’t even imagine what a trillion dollars looks like. That would be a stack of 20s two feet tall here. I mean, honestly?”

And Albro wanted assurance that some would in fact be barred from getting coverage.

“I understand it’s going to cover illegal aliens and things.”

Hodes gave a categorical no to the illegal immigrant question. On costs, he assured any outlay will be money well spent, repeatedly calling it an investment. He also reminded the veterans that President Obama has promised not sign a health care bill that would lead to deficits, an approach Hodes noted wasn’t taken during the Bush administration’s major foray into heath care.

“When Medicare d was passed it cost 500 billion dollars, but instead of paying for it was accompanied by with a tax cut for the very wealthiest, borrowing from china, in order to fund a war that’s cost us a huge amount of money, and no regard to the implications for the deficit.”

Afterwards Hodes’s questioner liked what he heard.

“That was interesting, yes.”

-So do you believe what he says?

“Sure I do. He’s the guy that’s down there working on it, not me. He knows more about it that I would, of course. Oh yeah.”

Hodes and other members of congress will get back to work on heath care next week, when Congress goes back into session.